Thousands raised at Charity Lunch with Eric Knowles

Bedell Cristin and Equiom recently co-hosted a charity lunch raising just over £21,000 for Cancer Research UK.

Held at Longueville Manor Hotel, the third annual ladies charity lunch included a special appearance from BBC ‘Antiques Roadshow’ expert, Eric Knowles, who hosted an auction and luxury draw. Diners heard from special guests, Dr Lindsay Smith from Cancer Research UK who spoke about the importance of research and provided insights into why funds are needed and Tracey Harding who spoke about her personal experience with cancer.

The lunch, held on behalf of Cancer Research UK, raised funds for the cancer unit at Southampton Hospital where local patients are regularly treated.

Prizes from the auction and luxury draw included: the chance to enjoy a lunch with Antiques Roadshow presenters, Fiona Bruce and Eric Knowles, a trip to Paris to spend a day at an exclusive Maison Sisley Spa, a consultation with Net a Porter’s Newby Hands, tickets to a test match at Lord’s and to an Arsenal Premier League football match, and a behind the scenes tour of the Wallace Collection in London with Eric Knowles.

Equiom’s Global CEO Sheila Dean, commented: "We were delighted to welcome Bedell Cristin as co-hosts this year at what was our best event to date in terms of the numbers attending and the funds raised. A big thank you to all our guests on the day, especially Eric, who generously donated his time. Cancer Research UK is a charity that is close to my heart and to so many of us who are impacted by the illness. The annual ladies charity lunch is becoming a key event in all of our calendars and I am already looking forward to next year."

Lisa Springate, Partner at Bedell Cristin, added: "We were pleased to be able to join Equiom this year in co-hosting such a wonderful event and we are so grateful to those who donated such spectacular prizes for the auction. Special thanks must also go to everyone who supported the event, bought luxury draw tickets or bid on lots and contributed to such a successful outcome."